Marvel's Small Screen Successes and Setbacks: A Ranking of Disney+ Shows
From the iconic "Incredible Hulk" to the gritty Netflix series featuring Daredevil and Luke Cage, Marvel Comics has a long history of inspiring compelling television adaptations. While previous attempts to integrate live-action shows into the broader Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) often faltered (remember "Runaways" and "Cloak and Dagger"?), 2021 marked a turning point. Marvel Studios launched a new era, saturating Disney+ with interconnected series deeply entwined with the billion-dollar film franchise.
With the recent addition of "Spider-Man: Freshman Year," we've compiled a ranking of the preceding 12 Disney+ Marvel shows. Our team of Marvel experts independently ranked each series, and this aggregate ranking reflects their collective assessment. "Spider-Man: Freshman Year" will be added to the ranking upon its conclusion.
Disney+ Marvel TV Shows Ranked
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- Secret Invasion
Disney+Surprisingly, "Secret Invasion," based on a pivotal Marvel Comics storyline, received overwhelmingly negative feedback. The director's admission of not reading the source material, coupled with slow pacing, an unconvincing AI-generated opening sequence, and questionable character choices, resulted in a widely disliked series. The attempt to emulate "Captain America: The Winter Soldier's" espionage tone fell flat.
- Echo
Disney+A significant improvement over "Secret Invasion," "Echo" still landed in the lower ranks. While Alaqua Cox's portrayal of the deaf Cheyenne superhero was praised, the shortened episode count left some viewers wanting more. Despite this, the series featured impressive action sequences and a groundbreaking predominantly indigenous cast.
- Moon Knight
Disney+Starring Oscar Isaac, "Moon Knight's" surrealist approach, blending elements of various genres, failed to resonate strongly with our voters. While the cast, including May Calamawy as Scarlet Scarab, F. Murray Abraham as Khonshu, and Ethan Hawke as Arthur Harrow, was strong, the series didn't achieve the impact needed for a higher ranking.
- The Falcon and the Winter Soldier
Disney+Despite the chemistry between Anthony Mackie and Sebastian Stan, "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier" fell short of expectations. Murky morals, heavy reliance on the Blip storyline, and a focus on espionage over action contributed to its lower placement. The production was significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially affecting the final product. Nevertheless, its narrative elements have become crucial to the current MCU storyline.
(The ranking continues with the remaining shows. Due to the length of the original text, I've provided a revised structure and the beginning of the ranking. To complete the ranking, please provide the remaining sections of the original text.)
